SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) introduced the Enhancing Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (Native ELDER) Act to improve federal programs and services for Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian Elders. The legislation, introduced in May, coincides with the national observance of Older Americans Month.

"In 2019 Senator Murkowski, along with Senator Smith, co-led the Strengthening Services for Native Elders Act that was included in the reauthorization for the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 2020, which expires on September 30, 2024. The Native ELDER Act builds on that piece of legislation by prioritizing supportive services and in-home modifications, to ensure Native American Elders are able to age at home within their own communities."

"When meeting with Alaska stakeholders, they identified home modifications to improve accessibility and caregiver support as some of the greatest unmet needs for Alaska Native Elders," said Senator Murkowski. "Our Elders already face substantially worse health outcomes at disproportionally higher rates than other seniors. We have to help bridge this divide by ensuring our Elders have the support they need to age at home, in their local communities. Prioritizing home modifications and supporting family members who act as caregivers, is essential in supporting not only Elders, but the entire community."

"Honoring and caring for elders is foundational to Native American communities. Tribal elders in Minnesota and across the country have been clear about their needs," said Senator Smith. "Enhanced support for caregivers, funding for home modifications, and better training programs for Tribes to deliver in-home care are some of the basic needs this bill would help to meet. Taking care of our elders – giving them the tools to age comfortably and with dignity in their own homes – this is how we keep our communities strong, and I’m proud this bill will help to deliver on that promise."

"We appreciate Senator Murkowski’s support of Alaska Native and American Indian elders through the introduction of the Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (ELDER) Act," said Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, ANTHC President and CEO. "This act will bridge resource gaps for our elder culture bearers, allowing them to age with dignity and needed support. Quyana, Senator Murkowski, for your continued leadership and support of Alaska Native people, Tribes, and Alaska."

"The Native ELDER Act provides a mechanism for a more robust program to address how home care is utilized in rural Alaska," said Brian Ridley, Chief of Tanana Chiefs Conference. "As recipients of Title VI funding, Tanana Chiefs Conference is deeply familiar with the benefits of the Home Care program. This Act is an excellent step towards improving agency coordination and increasing funding." He adds, "Our culture puts great emphasis on elder care. Our elders should have the ability to pass down traditional knowledge and values in the safety and comfort of their homes."

"The OAA is the key legislative framework for developing, coordinating, and delivering home and community-based services to allow American Indian and Alaska Native elders to maintain their independence and dignity," said Billie Tohee, Executive Director of the National Indian Council on Aging. "NICOA appreciates Senator Murkowski’s leadership in introducing legislation that emphasizes Tribal priorities and increases coordination across agencies that serve our elders."

"The Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is an important contribution to our native elder and aging population," said Chairman William Smith, National Indian Health Board. "The Native ELDER Act will make changes to Title VI programs which reflect Tribal priorities including the establishment of an Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee and expanded technical assistance authority to help tribes keep their elders at home and age in place. The National Indian Health Board is proud to support the Native ELDER Act."

"The Native ELDER Act is a part of the 2024 OAA reauthorization effort and includes a number of provisions."